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- As a parent you must recognize and accept that the fear is there.
- Choose the right words when you talk to your child to avoid worsening the situation. For example when you tell your kid: “Pet that dog under his chin, or else he might bite you,” or a parent will tell their child to ask a stranger 'Does your dog bite?'"
Words have great power to shape a child's view of dogs as dangerous, or as new friends to meet, so choose your words carefully. - Gradually increase the intensity of the exposure and do not rush your child into face-to-face introduction. Start by introducing your child to dogs, starting with picture books, TV, movies, then from a distance, in the streets or sitting outside a pet supply store.
- Try to make your child meet an adult dog and not a puppy because puppies are unpredictable; and they might run or make some moves that can scare your child.
- Let your child pet the dog's body instead of the more-intimidating head.
- Avoid surprises and tell your child what to expect like the sniff and the lick for example tell your child that the dog is going to sniff you, and he might give you a kiss.
- And the most important part is to teach your child to always ask first before approaching a dog they don't know. Not all dogs are kids friendly!1.
Dr Issam Abdel Samad
Head of Pediatric department and NICU Ain Wazein Medical Village
